Combination yoke clamp and terminal cover



June 24, 1958 F. H. BICKFORD 2,840,740

COMBINATION YOKE CLAMP AND TERMINAL COVER Filed Aug. 24, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I INVENTOR:

FRANKLIN H. BICKFORD,

HIS ATTORNEY.

2,840,740 COMBINATION YOKE CLAMP AND TERMINAL COVER Filed Aug. 24, 1955 June 24, 1958 F. H. BICKFORD '2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Z FRANKLIN H. BICKFORD, BY Q3214 11.7w

HIS ATTORNEY.

2,840,743 iatentecl June 24, 1958 cotunrNA'rroN Your: CLAMP AND TERMINAL covER Franklin l-ll. lliekford, Liverpool, N. Y., assignor to General Electric (lompany, a corporation of New York Application August 24, 1955, Serial No. 530,350

6 (Ilaims. (Cl. 313-84) This invention relates to a novel device for positioning a yoke carrying the vertical and horizontal deflection coils on the neck of a cathode-ray tube.

Prior to my invention, the devices utilized for positioning the deflection yoke of a cathode-ray tube such as used in a television receiver were comprised of belttype stamps positioned behind the yoke and subject to the objection of occupying excessive length along the neck of the tube. These devices performed only the function of holding the yoke in position and additional elements were necessary to provide a protective cover for the electrical terminals. Further, those cathode-ray tubes which used a magnetic focusing unit required a ate supporting structure to hold it in position. This unit is normally positioned to the rear of the deflection yoke and it must be accurately and firmly positioned. Thus, in order to perform all of these functions, separate elements, each occupying some portion of the tube neck, were required. Also, the excessive number of units complicated the assembly and increased its cost.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a novel deflection yoke clamping device which occupies a minimum of space along the length of the tube neck.

it is another object of this invention to provide a novel iection yoke positioner which includes integral means for covering and protecting the electrical terminals forming a part of the yoke structure.

it is still another object of this invention to provide a novel deflection yoke positioner and terminal cover which includes means for supporting and accurately positioning a magnetic focusing unit associated with the tube.

it is a further object of this invention to provide a deflection yoke positioner which performs a plurality of functions utilizing an integrated structure which is formed at a minimum of cost and may be assembled to the tube utilizing a minimum of assembly steps.

.lt is still a further object of this invention to provide a novel deflection yoke positioner which is constructed to firmly engage tube necks over the range of tolerances encountered in the manufacture of such devices.

Briefly, the objects of this invention are achieved in one embodiment by the use of a pair of similar clamp members. Each clamp member is formed so as to have a relatively thick arcuate portion encompassing the neck of the tube. An integral cover portion may extend from the arcuate portion and overlies the deflection yoke terminals when the clamp member is assembled on the tubes. l wuns are provided on the clamp members to ensure th t the extension will be positioned to cover the termi- The Qifilllj?) m oers are formed from a material id have a configuration which permits easy deformation. A clamp ring surrounds the arcuate portions of the clamp members, which ring when tightened deforms the clamp members as permitted by their material and configuration so that they closely engage the tube neck. if a magnetic focusing unit is associated with the tube,

2 the clamp ring may carry means for accurately positioning the focusing unit.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. My invention itself, however, both as to its structure and method of operation together with further objects and advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a deflection yoke mounted on a portion of a cathode-ray tube and held in position by novel positioning device;

Figure 2 is an end view of the showing in Figure 1 illustrating my novel positioning device in use;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a form of my novel positioning device;

Figure 4 is a side view similar to Figure 1 illustrating another embodiment of my novel positioner which also provides means for supporting a focusing unit;

Figure 5 is an end View of the showing in Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is an end view of a clamp ring forming a part of the second embodiment of my invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a cathode-ray tube 1 having the standard neck 2 and bulb portion 3. Positioned on the tube neck is a deflection yoke 4 which includes two pairs of deflection coils 5 and 6. The deflection yoke 4 may have associated therewith a belt-type clamp '7 to support and hold the various elements comprising the yoke.

Formed at one end of the yoke, and usually constituting a part thereof, is an enlarged annular portion 8 which houses the electrical terminals (not shown) for the deflection windings 5 and 6. The details of the deflection yoke form no part of my invention except in the manner in which they cooperate with my positioning device and are shown for purposes of illustration only.

A positioning device constructed in accordance with this invention may take the form of a pair of clamp members 9 which may be molded from a plastic material exhibiting suitable insulating materials. Each clamp member includes a relatively thin flat disc or cover portion 1%). Adjacent the periphery of the cover portion 10 is a positioning or locating notch 11. On the inner side of the clamp members 9, a relatively thick arcuate portion 12 is formed integrally with the cover portion 10 and has a tube neck engagement surface 12. Each arcuate portion has a frustro-conical surface 13 on one side thereof to aid in the proper positioning of the yoke by conforming to the configuration of the end portion of the windings ti opposite the ends shown. On the side of the terminal cover opposite the frustro-conical portion 13, a groove 15 is provided by ridges l4. Extending through the arcuate portion i2 is a radial slot 16 which terminates as at 17. The ends 18 of the arcuate portions 12' are formed to have slight tapers away from the center of the clamp members 9 for a purpose to be brought out hereinafter.

In order that the clamp members i may be tightened on an element on which they are engaged in this form of my invention, I provide a split ring 26 which is adapted to be positioned in the groove 15. Extending through loops 21, formed on the ends of the split ring 2%, I provide a screw 22 and wing nut 23 by which the split ring may be tightened.

In the use of my device, the deflection yoke is mounted on the neck 2 of the cathode-ray tube. In the manner well known in the art, the yoke is properly positioned either by visual means or instruments. When it is desired to hold the yoke 4 in its proper position, my clamp members 9 are mounted on the neck of the tube, one on each side thereof. The locating means or slots 11 are disposed over the projections 3' on the annular portion 8. When so mounted, the frustro-conical surface 13 aids in the positioning of the yoke 4 by hearing against ends of the winding 6. The split ring 20 is then mounted in the groove 15 and the wing nut 23 tightened. As the ends 21 of the split ring are brought together, the clamp members 9 move to closer contact with the neck of the tube. In order that the clamp may securely hold the yoke, the wing nut 23 is tightened until the clamp members actually deform about the end 17 of the radial slots 16. The provision enables the clamp members 9 to accommodate the actual neck dimensions of a given tube size even though in practice there is considerable deviation from the nominal tube neck dimension. The opposing tapered surfaces 18 permit the deformation of the members by permitting movement of these two surfaces to move toward each other when the two members 9 are deformed. 1

It can be seen that when the deflection yoke is held by my clamp members 9 and clamp ring 20, the thin cover portions 19 extend to the periphery of the annular portion 8 of the yoke. In so doing, they cover the terminal elements of the deflection windings and protect them from harm and also prevent access to them until such access is specifically desired. The elements comprising my positioner occupy a minimum space along the length of the tube neck. Also, their assembly to the tube neck involves a minimum of parts and steps, thereby reducing both the material and labor cost involved in the assembly of such a unit as, for instance, in a home television receiver.

A second clamping device constructed in accordance with my invention is illustrated in Figures 4-6. In these figures, the similar parts have been given corresponding reference numerals. The clamping device illustrates these figures as adapted to be used in association with a cathode-ray tube utilizing a magnetic focusing unit, as distinguished from electro-static focusing within the tube structure itself. In such a construction it has been necessary to provide a supporting and positioning means for the magnetic focusing unit to the rear of the deflection yoke 4.

In order that my positioner may accommodate a magnetic focusing unit, I provide a flat, thin, split ring 39 which engages in the grooves 15 of the arcuate portions 12. Engaged in cylindrical cars 31 on the ends of the split ring 38 is a bolt 32 which has a nut 33 provided thereon. The nut rests against a flat shoulder 34 of the split ring whereby it may tighten the ring in a manner to be described below. Provided on the inner surfaces of the ring 3t) are a series of raised portions 35 which engage in the grooves, and when the ring is tightened, exert the required pressure to deform the clamp members in the manner described above. Deformation of the split ring 3% itself is permitted by virtue of a notch 36 provided in its bottom which in effect provides a weakened portion which may be deformed when the split ring is tightened. Provided on opposite sides of the split ring are a pair of ears 37 having elongated slots 38 provided therein.

In this form of the invention, the clamp members 9 are assembled on the deflection yoke as before. The split ring 39 is mounted so that the raised portions 35 engage in the grooves 15. When the threaded screw 32. is tightened, the pressure exerted by the members 35 moving closer together deforms the clamp member about the radial slot terminals 17. Deformation of the split ring itself also occurs at the weakened portion 35. Thus accommodations of the positioning to actual tube conformation and thereby a firm hold is accomplished.

When it is desired to mount a focusing unit 39 on the deflection yoke, brackets 40 provided for this purpose are secured to the ears 37 by means of the threaded fasteners 41. The slots 38 provided in the ears permit the proper adjustment of the focusing unit.

Thus, it may be seen that this form of the invention provides for a quick assembly of the deflection yoke to the tube. A relatively simple structure is used to position it, which structure utilizes a minimum of parts and does not.require excessive space along the tube neck. The same structure also functions as a mounting bracket for the magnetic focusing unit.

While the invention has been described by reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood that numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. I therefore aim in the appended claims to cover all such equivalent variations as come within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A positioner comprising a pair of clamping members, each clamping member having an arcuate portion presenting a concave engagement surface, a substantially flat, relatively thin cover portion extending from a side of said arcuate portion opposite said engagement surface, each clamping member having a radial slot extending through said arcuate portion and into said cover portion, a clamp ring engageable with said side of said arcuate portions, means to tighten said clamp ring whereby, when said clamping members are mounted on a device on which an element is to be positioned, they will be bent at the ends of said radial slots so that the engagement surfaces will closely contact said device.

2. A positioner as defined in claim 1 wherein said clamp ring comprises a fiat split ring, said split ring-having a plurality of raised arcuate portion engaging surfaces formed on its inner periphery, a pair of slotted ears on the outer periphery of said ring whereby a means associated with the device may be mounted on said ears and accurately positioned relative to said device.

3. In combination, a deflection yoke for cathode-ray tubes, including horizontal and vertical deflection windings, an enlarged annular portion formed at one end of said yoke surrounding the terminals of said windings, a pair of projections formed on said annular portion, one diametrically opposed from the other, a pair of similar clamp members disposed adjacent said annular portion, each clamp member having a thickened arcuate portion engaging the neck of a cathode-ray tube on which the yoke is mounted, a relatively thin cover portion extending from the arcuate portion of each of said clamp members to the periphery of said yoke annular portion, each cover portion having a notch formed therein and engaging one of said projections, each of said arcuate portions having a groove formed therein, a split ring mounted in said groove, and threaded means engaging the ends of said split ring whereby it may be tightened.

4. A deflection yoke holder comprising a pair of clamp members, each clamp member having a thickened arcuate portion presenting a concave engaging surface, one side of said arcuate portion being frustro-conical in configuration, the other side of said arcuate portion having a groove formed therein, a relatively thin cover portion extending from the arcuate portion, a radial slot extending from said concave engaging surface through said arcuate portion and into said cover portion, the outer periphery of said cover portion having a slot formed therein, a split ring engaging in the groove of each clamp member and means on the ends of said split ring whereby it may be tightened.

5. A deflection yoke positioner comprising a pair of clamp members, each member having a relatively thick arcuate portion, each arcuate portion presenting a concave surface whereby said clamp members may be positioned on a cathode ray tube neck to hold the deflection yoke against the bulb thereof, a clamp ring encompassing said arcuate portions, threaded means on said clamp ring to tighten said clamp ring and thereby said clamp memberson the tube neck, relatively thin cover portions extending from each clamp ring arcuate portion to an edge of the deflection yoke to cover the electrical terminals thereof, said clamp members having radial slots extending through said arcuate portions and terminating in said cover portions, said clamp members being deformable about said radial slot termination to closely engage the tube neck when the clamp ring is tightened, and means at the periphery of said cover portions engageable with a portion of the deflection yoke to position said clamp member.

6. A deflection yoke positioner as defined in claim 5 wherein said clamp ring has slotted ears extending from diametrically opposite sides thereof, said ears providing means whereby a focusing unit may be mounted and positioned properly relative to the deflection yoke.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,544,898 Obszarny et a1. Mar. 13, 1951 2,568,631 Hoellerich Sept. 18, 1951 2,653,262 Bowman Sept. 22, 1953 2,692,355 Sickles et al Oct. 19, 1954 2,793,311 Thomas May 21, 1957 

